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Nutrients Jun 2024Corn peptide (CP) is a short, naturally occurring, and physiologically active peptide generated from corn-protease-catalyzed hydrolysis. CP plays a role in preventing...
Corn peptide (CP) is a short, naturally occurring, and physiologically active peptide generated from corn-protease-catalyzed hydrolysis. CP plays a role in preventing obesity-related disorders, but its impact on reducing inflammation is unknown. Hence, this study examined the possible protective effects of corn peptide powder (CPP) against the harmful effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with a particular emphasis on reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in adipocytes. Hence, mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes underwent exposure to 10 ng/mL LPS, with or without CPP (10 and 20 μg/mL). LPS stimulation increased reactive oxygen species and superoxide anion generation. However, this effect was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with CPP. CPP treatment elevated the mRNA expressions of the antioxidant enzymes manganese superoxide dismutase (mnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) while reducing the mRNA expressions of the cytosolic reactive oxygen species indicators p40 and p67 (NADPH oxidase 2). In addition, CPP inhibited the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Toll-like receptor 4, and nuclear factor kappa B mRNA expressions induced by LPS. These findings demonstrate that CPP may ameliorate adipocyte dysfunction by suppressing oxidative damage and inflammatory responses through a new mechanism known as Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B-mediated signaling.
Topics: Animals; Mice; 3T3-L1 Cells; Adipocytes; Lipopolysaccharides; Zea mays; Reactive Oxygen Species; Inflammation; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Powders; Peptides; Glutathione Peroxidase; NF-kappa B; Antioxidants; Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1; Signal Transduction; Chemokine CCL2; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38931278
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121924 -
Nutrients Jun 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of dietary intake of cocoa on anthropometric measurements, lipid and glycemic profiles, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of dietary intake of cocoa on anthropometric measurements, lipid and glycemic profiles, and blood pressure levels in adults, with and without comorbidities.
METHODS
The databases used were MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, and SciELO. The eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving adults undergoing cocoa consumption (cocoa extract or ≥70% cocoa dark chocolate) for ≥4 weeks that evaluated at least one of the following markers: body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist/abdominal circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, HDL-c, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP).
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies were included, totaling 1986 participants. Cocoa consumption showed no effects on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-c and HbA1c. Yet, there was a reduction in total cholesterol (-8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI -14.01; -2.69 mg/dL), LDL-c (-9.47 mg/dL, 95% CI -13.75; -5.20 mg/dL), fasting blood glucose (-4.91 mg/dL, 95% CI -8.29; -1.52 mg/dL), SBP (-2.52 mmHg, 95% CI -4.17; -0.88 mmHg), and DBP (-1.58 mmHg, 95% CI -2.54; -0.62 mmHg).
CONCLUSIONS
The consumption of cocoa showed protective effects on major cardiometabolic risk markers that have a clinical impact in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cacao; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Blood Pressure; Blood Glucose; Biomarkers; Glycated Hemoglobin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chocolate; Male; Female; Adult; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Waist Circumference; Middle Aged; Triglycerides; Diet; Lipids
PubMed: 38931273
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121919 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI)....
The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI). polysaccharides (GLPs) exhibit hepatoprotective activity, yet the protective impact and potential mechanism of GLPs in relation to APAP-induced ALI remain ambiguous. The intention of this research was to scrutinize the effect of GLPs on APAP-induced ALI and to shed light on their potential mechanism. The results demonstrated that GLPs were capable of notably alleviating the oxidative stress triggered by APAP, as shown through a significant drop in the liver index, the activities of serum ALT and AST, and the amounts of ROS and MDA in liver tissue, along with an increase in the levels of SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px. Within these, the hepatoprotective activity at the high dose was the most conspicuous, and its therapeutic efficacy surpassed that of the positive drug (bifendate). The results of histopathological staining (HE) and apoptosis staining (TUNEL) indicated that GLPs could remarkably inhibit the necrosis of hepatocytes, the permeation of inflammatory cells, and the occurrence of apoptosis induced by APAP. Moreover, Western blot analysis manifested that GLPs enhanced the manifestation of Nrf2 and its subsequent HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1 proteins within the Nrf2 pathway. The results of qPCR also indicated that GLPs augmented the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1. The results reveal that GLPs are able to set off the Nrf2 signaling path and attenuate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis, which is a potential natural medicine for the therapy of APAP-induced liver injury.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Oxidative Stress; Apoptosis; Reishi; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Animals; Male; Polysaccharides; Signal Transduction; Liver; Mice; Fungal Polysaccharides; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38931214
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121859 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has long been recognized for its health-promoting attributes, with proven benefits in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has long been recognized for its health-promoting attributes, with proven benefits in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, MedDiet's potential to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection gained attention. This study aims to investigate the interplay among MedDiet adherence, immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and potential sex-related variations.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study was conducted through collecting data from a web survey for the Italian population. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS); in addition, COVID-19 symptoms and vaccination details were also obtained.
RESULTS
Significant associations between MedDiet adherence, COVID-19 symptoms, and vaccine-related side effects were observed. Notably, females demonstrated distinct responses, reporting lymph node enlargement and a different prevalence and severity of vaccine side effects compared to males.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the protective role of the MedDiet against COVID-19 and emphasizes the relevance of sex-specific responses in vaccination outcomes according to MEDAS score.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Mediterranean; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Middle Aged; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; Italy; Sex Factors; Aged; Vaccination
PubMed: 38931201
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121846 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Plant growth and productivity are predicted to be affected by rising CO concentrations, drought and temperature stress. The C crop model in a changing climate is...
Plant growth and productivity are predicted to be affected by rising CO concentrations, drought and temperature stress. The C crop model in a changing climate is Willd-a protein-rich pseudohalphyte (Amaranthaceae). Morphophysiological, biochemical and molecular genetic studies were performed on quinoa grown at ambient (400 ppm, aCO) and elevated (800 ppm, eCO) CO concentrations, drought (D) and/or high temperature (eT) treatments. Among the single factors, drought caused the greatest stress response, inducing disturbances in the light and dark photosynthesis reactions (PSII, apparent photosynthesis) and increasing oxidative stress (MDA). Futhermore, compensation mechanisms played an important protective role against eT or eCO. The disruption of the PSII function was accompanied by the activation of the expression of , a gene of PSI cyclic electron transport (CET). Wherein under these conditions, the constant Rubisco content was maintained due to an increase in its biosynthesis, which was confirmed by the activation of gene expression. In addition, the combined stress treatments D+eT and eCO+D+eT caused the greatest negative effect, as measured by increased oxidative stress, decreased water use efficiency, and the functioning of protective mechanisms, such as photorespiration and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, decreased PSII efficiency and increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were not accompanied by the activation of protective mechanisms involving PSI CET. In summary, results show that the greatest stress experienced by plants was caused by drought and the combined stresses D+eT and eCO+D+eT. Thus, drought consistently played a decisive role, leading to increased oxidative stress and a decrease in defense mechanism effectiveness.
PubMed: 38931098
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121666 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Diabetes has a protective effect on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs); however, there are contrasting reports on the impact of diabetes on endovascular aortic repair...
Diabetes has a protective effect on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs); however, there are contrasting reports on the impact of diabetes on endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) outcomes, endoleaks (ELs) being the major negative outcome. The present study characterizes ELs and their outcomes in AAA patients, diabetic or not. This single-center, retrospective, comparative study was carried out on 324 AAA patients who underwent elective EVARs between 2007 and 2016 at the University Hospital of Liège (Belgium). The primary endpoint was the incidence and effect of ELs on the evolution of the aneurysmal sac; the secondary endpoints were surgical reintervention and mortality rate. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients were compared with respect to various risk factors by logistic regression, while a Cox regression was used to analyze survival. In AAA patients meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 248), 23% were diabetic. EL incidence was comparable ( = 0.74) in diabetic (38.7%) vs. non-diabetic (43.9%) patients. EL risk factors were age (HR = 1.04, = 0.014) and fibrate intake (HR = 3.12, = 0.043). A significant association was observed between ELs and aneurysm sac enlargement ( < 0.001), regardless of group ( = 0.46). Aneurysm sac regression per month for non-diabetic patients was -0.24 ± 0.013, while for diabetics it was -0.18 ± 0.027 ( = 0.059). Dyslipidemia (HR = 3.01, = 0.0060) and sulfonylureas (HR = 8.43, = 0.043) were associated with shorter EL duration, while diabetes (HR = 0.080, = 0.038) and beta blockers (HR = 0.46, = 0.036) were associated with longer EL duration. The likelihood of reoperation decreased with more recent surgery (OR = 0.90, = 0.040), regardless of diabetic status. All-cause mortality was higher for the non-diabetic group (45.5% vs. 26.3%, = 0.0096). Endoleak occurrence is a known risk factor for sac expansion. In diabetic patients, endoleaks lasted longer, and regression of the aneurysm sac tended to be slower. The number and type of reintervention was not related to the diabetic status of AAA patients, but overall survival was higher in patients with diabetes.
PubMed: 38930080
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123551 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Laryngotracheal trauma is associated with a substantial risk of mortality. Age can be a critical factor in trauma management, as older adults often have diminished...
: Laryngotracheal trauma is associated with a substantial risk of mortality. Age can be a critical factor in trauma management, as older adults often have diminished airway protective reflexes and preexisting respiratory conditions. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the clinical profiles and outcomes in different age groups of adult patients with laryngotracheal trauma using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). : We retrospectively analyzed the NTDB and included adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who had laryngotracheal fractures (closed or open) and were admitted directly after the injury. The patients were categorized into different age groups for analysis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether the elderly population (age ≥ 65 years) was predisposed to post-trauma death under care. : The study included 1171 patients, with the following age distributions: 13.7% aged 18-24 years, 21.6% aged 25-34 years, 55.2% aged 35-64 years, and 9.6% aged ≥ 65 years. Notable differences were observed in comorbidities, mechanisms, types of injuries, and associated injuries among age groups. There was no significant trend in airway surgical outcomes according to age. In-hospital mortality was highest among patients aged ≥ 65 years (22.3%), compared to 14.4% for those aged 18-24 years. Regression analysis indicated that age ≥ 65 was an independent mortality predictor. : These findings underscore significant age-related differences in the presentation and outcomes of laryngotracheal trauma, emphasizing the need for age-specific treatment protocols, primarily to address the elevated risk among elderly patients.
PubMed: 38930037
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123508 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Previous research points to the prevalence of insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs). However, longitudinal studies on its evolution,...
: Previous research points to the prevalence of insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs). However, longitudinal studies on its evolution, including the post-pandemic stage, are less abundant, with a special lack of research about possible psychosocial risk factors. The aim of the current study is to analyze the evolution of insomnia in Spanish HCWs from the beginning of the pandemic until two years later, examining the influence of sociodemographic, occupational and psychosocial variables. : This was a prospective longitudinal design with three data collection periods in which insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), in addition to sociodemographic, occupational and psychosocial (i.e., social support, self-efficacy, resilience and cognitive fusion) variables in HCWs (n = 216) who were in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. : High scores were observed for insomnia, with a clear decrease throughout the periods studied (F = 30.198, < 0.001). An association was observed between insomnia and certain sociodemographic and occupational variables (i.e., work category, = 0.001; availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), < 0.001; workload, < 0.001; worry about self or family contagion, = 0.002, = 0.003, respectively). Insomnia had negative relationships with social support ( = 0.014), self-efficacy ( < 0.001) and resilience ( < 0.001) and positive relationships with cognitive fusion ( < 0.001). Interaction effects between the evolution of insomnia and social support from friends ( = 0.024, ƞ2 = 0.34) and between the evolution of insomnia and cognitive fusion ( = 0.047; ƞ2 = 0.25) were found. : Social support, self-efficacy and resilience act as buffers for insomnia. Cognitive fusion acts as a clear precipitator of insomnia as well as directly influencing its evolution. Social support from friends also affects the evolution of insomnia. Within the specific circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, a long-term effect of social support from friends and a short-term effect of cognitive fusion on the evolution of insomnia was observed. The findings emphasize the need to implement specific interventions to promote the mental well-being of HCWs, particularly in crisis contexts that involve an increase in occupational stress, emphasizing the role of certain psychosocial variables as protective factors.
PubMed: 38930028
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123498 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine May 2024COVID-19 is a systemic disease caused by the etiologic agent SARS-CoV-2, first reported in Hubei Province in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has evolved...
COVID-19 is a systemic disease caused by the etiologic agent SARS-CoV-2, first reported in Hubei Province in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has evolved over time with distinct transmissibility subvariants from ancestral lineages. The clinical manifestations of the disease vary according to their severity and can range from asymptomatic to severe. Due to the rapid evolution to a pandemic, epidemiological studies have become essential to understand and effectively combat COVID-19, as the incidence and mortality of this disease vary between territories and populations. This study correlated epidemiological data on the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 with frequencies of important SNPs in GWAS studies associated with the susceptibility and mortality of this disease in different populations. Our results indicated significant correlations for 11 genetic variants (rs117169628, rs2547438, rs2271616, rs12610495, rs12046291, rs35705950, rs2176724, rs10774671, rs1073165, rs4804803 and rs7528026). Of these 11 variants, 7 (rs12046291, rs117169628, rs1073165, rs2547438, rs2271616, rs12610495 and rs35705950) were positively correlated with the incidence rate, these variants were more frequent in EUR populations, suggesting that this population is more susceptible to COVID-19. The rs2176724 variant was inversely related to incidence rates; therefore, the higher the frequency of the allele is, the lower the incidence rate. This variant was more frequent in the AFR population, which suggests a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population. The variants rs10774671, rs4804803, and rs7528026 showed a significant relationship with mortality rates. SNPs rs10774671 and rs4804803 were inversely related to mortality rates and are more frequently present in the AFR population. The rs7528026 variant, which is more frequent in the AMR population, was positively related to mortality rates. The study has the potential to identify and correlate the genetic profile with epidemiological data, identify populations that are more susceptible to severe forms of COVID-19, and relate them to incidence and mortality.
PubMed: 38929800
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060579 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. According to recent studies, alterations in the microbiota and epigenetic modulations are risk... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. According to recent studies, alterations in the microbiota and epigenetic modulations are risk factors for this disease. This systematic review aims to determine the possible associations between the intestinal and mammary microbial populations, epigenetic modifications, and breast cancer. To achieve this objective, we conducted a literature search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Although no results are yet available in humans, studies in mice suggest a protective effect of maternal dietary interventions with bioactive compounds on the development of breast tumors in offspring. These dietary interventions also modified the gut microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa and preventing mammary carcinogenesis. In addition, short-chain fatty acids produced by the microbiota act as epigenetic modulators. Furthermore, some authors indicate that stress alters the gut microbiota, promoting breast tumor growth through epigenetic and gene expression changes in the breast tumor microenvironment. Taken together, these findings show the ability of epigenetic modifications and alterations of the microbiota associated with environmental factors to modulate the development, aggressiveness, and progression of breast cancer.
PubMed: 38929688
DOI: 10.3390/life14060705